'But some people wouldn't allow it unless you pass their exam first...'

So who's advocating this, Richard? I can see plenty of people advocating doing what you do as well as you can (and practicing in private before practicing in public!), but I don't really see anyone arguing that you must pass exams before you play live... unless it's another sly and pointless dig at the Newcastle traditional music students? Or the musical equivalent of the anti-intellectualism some university educated individuals feign?

Whatever it is, I'm not sure who or what it helps and how.

Cheers

Nigel